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Jinn: Tales of Wish Masters Throughout Time

In translation, the term jinn can be interpreted as hidden from sight or the hidden ones . In Arabic, jinn defines a collective number and it derives from the root jnn or gnn which means to hide or to be hidden - thus implying the fact that jinn are not necessarily spirits, but they are hidden in their status in time, in space, and in darkness.

Etymology of the Word Jinn

From the same root, the word Gannah is also derived which refers to another place hidden in space and time - the Garden of Paradise. In English, “genie” is a synonym for “jinn” and it is derived from the Latin “genius” which used to refer to a sort of protective spirit which each human was thought to have ever since the moment of birth.

The only resemblance between the two is the pronunciation, as jinn and genius are totally distinct entities. From the Latin “genus” the modern term “genetics” is derived with a certain resemblance to “jinn” as entities believed to be capable of determining familial features of resemblance. In Arabic, the singular for genie or jinn is “ginni”, while the plural is “ginn”.

Jinns and Precious Stones

Like many other beings, jinn can be either male and female. Also, jinn can exist independently or they can attach themselves to inanimate objects, especially old objects in which they can reside and together with which they can travel. For example, it was believed that jinn could become attached to precious or semi-precious stones such as opals.

In the Middle East, archaeologists have found evidence from the pre-Islamic era which suggested that during that time, there was no clear distinction between spirits inferior to angels and jinn. In north-west Arabia, archaeological evidence has also clearly suggested the worship of jinn. In a region near Palmyra, an unearthed inscription called jinn “the good and rewarding gods”, but despite all archaeological evidence regarding jinn worship, the Quran rejects this practice arguing that Allah is the only one who is to be revered and worshiped:

“But they have attributed to Allah partners - the jinn, while He has created them - and have fabricated for Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Exalted is He and high above what they describe ” - Quran, 6:100.

Jinn in Arabian Nights and The Quran

Jinn are most commonly known from the tales contained in “Arabian Nights”, a writing which illustrates several kinds of jinn and spirits. According to the text, numerous spirits and entities exist alongside humans and they interact between one another just as they interact with humans.

Out of all these entities, the type of jinn known as Ifrit is described as physically larger than the rest as well as the most powerful. Another kind of jinn, the Marid, is said to live in seas and oceans as a spirit of water.

As the most well-known supernatural beings of the Islamic tradition, jinn are often mentioned in the Quran. They reside in the void between worlds, a parallel dimension different from the world of humans or from any world known.

Illustration of Aladdin Flying Away with Two People from the Arabian Nights ( Public Domain )

Even though angels, humans, and jinn are the three types of sentient beings created by Allah, the latter are the most mysterious. The information regarding them is scarce, but it is said that they have come into being from the smokeless flame and that they can be good, evil, or neutral.

Still, jinn can be dangerous and hostile towards humans using every chance they get to twist the words and desires of humans against them. The “Suurat al-Jinn” is a surah contained in the 72nd chapter of the Quran which is dedicated entirely to jinn. Jinn are also mentioned in the Quran in the final verse of the “Suurat al-Naas”, but the classic image of jinn as wishmasters was first depicted in “Arabian Nights”.

The black king of the djinns, Al-Malik al-Aswad, in the late 14th century Book of Wonders ( Public Domain )

Contrary to angels, but similar to humans, jinn enjoy free will, therefore they can make their own choices and they can also allegedly be judged during Judgment Day and sent to either Heaven or Hell. Jinn usually live in highly remote areas with clouds, waters, trees, and mountains.

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Valda Roric

Author of ldquo Loki ndash The Trickster Unleashed rdquo and ldquo Supernatural in the Land of Count Dracula rdquo Valda Roric has always been fascinated by the supernatural Interested in the topic she has studied many aspects of the enigmatic... Read More

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